What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
If you lose your car keys, it could be a very stressful experience. It's important to stay calm and not panic.
First, retrace the steps you followed. This will allow you to determine if the keys to your car have been stolen or misplaced. Call your insurance company. You may be able to make an insurance claim depending on the situation.
Report the theft to the police
The first thing you have to do when your car keys have been stolen is report it to the police. This will provide you with an identity number that can be used to trace the keys as well as your vehicle. The police may also offer suggestions on how to protect your vehicle, for instance using a wheel lock.
Next, you need to locate the keys. Examine every bag, pocket and other places you may have them. Also, be sure to look in places that you wouldn't normally look, like under the seat or inside your shoes. You can also use an application to locate your keys. Examples include Tile and AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or show its last known location on a map however, they can only be used if the keys are within range of your phone.
If you have a traditional car key (think older keys that do not have fancy chips) then you can easily obtain a replacement from the local locksmith. If you have a remote start or smart key, you'll have to visit the dealership. It is worth checking to find out if your insurance covers the cost of replacing a lock and key.
Car thefts that are caused by who leave their keys in their car are increasing, and it is crucial to ensure they are secure at all times. The thieves could employ an instrument called a relay attack, which copies the signal from the car's keyfob. They then wait for a third party to arrive with a piece of equipment to unlock the vehicle. This is a common way of getting cars stolen in cities where thieves are able to access sophisticated equipment. It is recommended to always keep a spare set of keys in a different location than in your vehicle. Also, you should never leave your insurance cards or your license in your car as they are essential tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, make sure to call your insurer and the police as soon as you can.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive car insurance it is essential to inform your insurance company as soon as possible about the missing keys. This will help keep you secure, and prevent others from using your vehicle. Most policies will reimburse the cost of a locksmith or dealer to make new keys.
It is stressful to lose your keys. The worst thing you'd like to occur is that you are the one who uses them! It is a good idea to contact your local locksmith as soon as you can and ask them to make duplicate keys for you. They'll also be in a position to program the replacement key to ensure that the stolen pair no longer works.
Reporting the theft of your keys to the police as quickly as you can is a good idea, especially when they are a smart key. The police will be able to provide you with an identification number for the crime and give you additional tips on making sure your car is secure including installing the wheel lock. They might be able to provide suggestions on where to buy an additional key.
Before you contact your insurance company before contacting your insurer, make sure that you've thoroughly checked your bags and pockets for keys. It's easy to lose keys if you drop it in a place or you reach inside your bag to grab something only to you knock your keys out of it. If you've searched for a while and still cannot find your keys, it is time to call your insurance company.
The decision to make an insurance claim for a lost vehicle key will depend on the type of key and the amount of your deductible. The majority of mechanical keys for cars are cheap, and can be easily replaced by a locksmith for a cost less than the insurance deductible. Newer keys, however, are more expensive and have to be purchased directly from the dealer or manufacturer. In some cases, the price of a new key can surpass your limit on deductible.
It is also important to be aware that an insurance company may conduct a credit check to determine if fraud is a possibility. This could lead to your claim being denied or even investigated. Therefore, it is crucial to immediately report your keys as soon when you notice them.
Buy a new set keys
If you lose your car keys, it is essential to stay at peace and contemplate what you can do next. There are several ways to get a new set of keys, and the majority options are cheaper than you think. You can also utilize Bluetooth key trackers to ensure that your keys are safe and easily accessible. This is a great solution for those who lose their car keys often. They are available on the internet or in many electronic stores.
The first step is to determine the kind of key you own. If you have an older traditional or mechanical key, it can be replaced easily by a locksmith. These keys do not have special features or chips, and are used only to lock and unlock the vehicle. You may need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to replace a transponder, a key that is more sophisticated and is usually inserted into the key fob.
In the United States, most vehicles made after 1990 are equipped with a chip in the key that is connected to the computer of the vehicle. This means that you'll require the VIN number for your car in order to have a new key made. Dealers can also create an original key for your vehicle, however it could cost more than calling locksmith.
No matter what kind of car key you own, you should always have a spare in the event that you lose one. In this way, you'll be able to immediately get back on the road without waiting for a locksmith's arrival. You will also be in a position to avoid paying for a tow and calling roadside assistance.
Check your pockets and other places you might not typically search for keys, such as in your shoes if they're on or in the refrigerator when you've consumed a beer. You can also leave an extra key with a family member or trusted friend. If you wish to keep your car keys secure and easy to locate you might want to consider a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are a few different ways to go about it if keys to your car have been stolen. You could file an insurance claim to cover the cost of a new key fob, and then have your car locks replaced in the event that you don't have a spare, or you can purchase an alternative key from an hardware store for less than it would cost to make an insurance claim.
You may have to visit your dealer to replace the key, based on whether your vehicle is equipped with an electronic fob or a conventional key ignition. The dealer may need to purchase an electronic key chip and link it up with your vehicle. This can be costly. According to Reina your roadside protection, it may pay for transporting your vehicle to a dealer or other service shop where a new key will be created.
Locksmiths can be scammers who will overcharge for services that are already covered by your auto insurance. Some people have also been known to use "key phishing," a technique where they trick the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer has sent them a message requesting the reset of their code. These scams can be very tricky to spot, but you can keep an eye for them by entering your code via the official website of your car manufacturer or app.
Check with your home insurer to determine if there's any additional more info insurance coverage available for lost car keys. American Family, for instance provides coverage for garage door openers as well as dwelling keys without a cost-sharing. The coverage isn't available to all insurers, but it's worth checking to see if this coverage is available by your current provider or if you're eligible to add it to your insurance policy.